Dune Messiah

Book Two in the Dune Chronicles

By: Frank Herbert

Narrated by: Scott Brick, Euan Morton, Simon Vance, Katherine Kellgren

The bestselling science fiction series of all time continues! Frank Herbert's second installment explores new developments on the desert planet Arrakis, with its intricate social order and its strange threatening environment. Dune Messiah picks up the story of the man known as Maud'dib, heir to a power unimaginable, bringing to fruition an ambition of unparalleled scale: the centuries-old scheme to create a superbeing who reigns not in the heavens but among men. But the question is: Do all paths of glory lead to the grave?

Critic reviews

“Unique...I know nothing comparable to it except Lord of the Rings.” —Arthur C. Clarke on Dune

“One of the monuments of modern science fiction.” —Chicago Tribune on Dune

“Powerful, convincing, and most ingenious.” —Robert A. Heinlein on Dune

“A portrayal of an alien society more complete and deeply detailed than any other author in the field has managed...a story absorbing equally for its action and philosophical vistas...An astonishing science fiction phenomenon.” —The Washington Post on Dune

Great story. Terrible narration.

The first installlment of Frank Herbert's Dune Saga (the original saga) is, as has been duly noted by previous reviewers, a sci-fi classic. Dune Messiah, being a sequel, lacks the introductory appeal of the first one, however rendering a more profound view of the universe created by the author throughout the whole series. It is not as action driven as the first but it is intellectually provocative as well as theologically and philosohpically moving. Having said that, I must stress that the narration is terrible. Honestly, this is not a kids' story, there was no need to disturb the essence of the characters inflicting them with ludicrous accents and mannerisms, to the point where it even tends to picture the story as if it was taking place somewhere in the Middle East when it actually takes place a few millenia away from this time and space.

It's okay

Honestly it feels a little drab in comparison to the first book. the time jump of 13 years is frustrating and feels like a convenience to explain why Paul is so worn down and sad in this book without doing the work.

also all the side stuff with Alia and the ghoula is weird and uncomfortable and makes me wish that there wasn't a romantic side plot with her.

Sad futility

Much of Herbert's description of prescience is confusing and gets you lost. Which I think is the point. You can understand the position Paul is in and understand how he feels like a slave to his own life. Definitely worth the read.

Somewhat of bridge book

This is my least favorite of the Dune series. There is not as much action in this one but many longer passages of the main characters' thoughts or philosophy. The narration is worse than the first one. The narration does not go as smoothly as the first one. I still listened to it because I wanted to have the complete first three books.

Love it

I've done the whole series. I would recommend this to any and everyone. Just get the sand thing u won't regret it.